This is a pilot study to assess the effectiveness, safety and feasibility of carotid body removal in patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) resistant to medical treatment. Patients with high blood pressure are at significant risk of medical complications including stroke and heart disease. The principle research question is whether removal of the carotid body will lead to an improvement in the blood pressure of this patient group.

This surgery does not involve any study drug or investigational device.

The carotid body will be removed by the so called 'lateral approach' or a combined 'lateral and medial approach'. In all cases the target area was defined as the tissue in between the ECA and ICA, up to 5-6mm above the bifurcation point of the common carotid artery into the ECA and ICA. In a lateral approach the carotid bifurcation is not turned. A combined approach includes usually dissection of the superior thyroid vessel and turning of the carotid bifurcation.

Learning disability, significant hearing or visual impairment (participant would need to able to communicate from within the MRI scanner)

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01745172